I am more than half way through my stay here in Santa Barbara. Simplicity has been keeping me very, very busy. This is the time of year when designs for the Fall catalog are done. And since Halloween is in the fall, it is traditionally when the majority of the costume patterns are made.

But, I still have been able to meet some wonderful Santa Barbara residents, so I can get out of my little shed/studio for lunch and shopping. I met Grant who owns Grant House Sewing Machines in Santa Barbara. We had a great time talking about sewing machines and trends for home sewing. He is very interested in engaging cosplayers. They have a couple large annual costumed events every year in town, Fiesta in August and Solstice in June. I told him I had started teaching here and there and he asked if I could teach a class in Santa Barbara before I go home to Maryland.

I said YES! ... my ulterior motive being, if I do a good job, I might get asked back. I love it here.

Here is the info on the class I will be teaching. There will be basic pattern combining, but I've also added basic pattern manipulation, such as moving darts and making a variety of sleeves from one basic pattern, many of the techniques I use when making a pattern professionally.

There is still space. So if you live in the area tickets can be purchased at EVENTBRITE.

​Or you can buy them in the store. I would love to meet a few more of you Santa Barbara folks.

I will teach the whole class using these 50% size patterns, which means everyone can try everything I'm showing because the patterns are small and don't require too much space.

BUT ... If you don't live close or if you want a more intensive experience, don't forget about Sewcial in Novi, Michigan on April 8 - 10.

I will be teaching a 4 hour pattern combining class and there will be 3 other teachers for a great weekend sewing experience.